Wisconsin School Ends Homecoming King and Queen Tradition in Favor of Gender-Neutral Alternative

A Wisconsin high school is shaking up its homecoming court this year by going gender-neutral. Instead of electing a homecoming king and queen, students can nominate 20 students who they feel best represent Madison West High School in Madison, Wisconsin to homecoming court, and two students will be chosen "Regent Royalty," regardless of gender. The school's mascot is the Regent, hence the name.

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The idea to do away with traditional royal titles was proposed last year by Madison West High School Gay Straight Alliance members Arwen Sadler and Kate Scholz (pictured), according to WMTV. Students at the Wisconsin school collected nearly 1,000 signatures from students and teachers who supported a more inclusive method for choosing nominees. This is the first year the new homecoming policy will be put into place.

"For a small subset of students, it's a really powerful change and validates in a way their existence," Kate told WMTV.

"I am non binary so to me this is really affirming and validating to me," Sadler added.

The homecoming parade is today and the dance is tomorrow, so it'll be fascinating to see who ends up being chosen as Regent Royalty. No matter who wins, it will be a historic moment!

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